Slow Travel Google Map:
Italy, Sicily

Author:
DavidX
Notes: November 2006: Sicily in southern Italy. Most places need viewing at a higher zoom level; for example there are numerous specific markers in Palermo that don't show when the map shows all Sicily and the marker for Marinella conceals the one for the excellent site of Selinunte.
Black markers are used here where I know nothing about the area.

Ancient Monuments

Time limit must-sees.

Your time is terribly restricted - hard luck!

Make sure you see at least the cathedral at Monreale - local bus from Palermo, the archaeological park at Siracusa, the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento and the Greek Theatre at Taormina.

Historical Buildings

Catacombe dei Cappucini

This is 'different.' In the catacombs there are masses of skeletons, clothed and separated by sex and profession.

Children might find it either intensely curious and exciting or interesting; on the other hand some would be terrified. It's your own responsibility to decide whether it's suitable for yours.

Monte Pellegrino

Buses here are a long time apart and you would do well to inquire at the TIC both about times and where to catch the bus.

It's a lovely ride up through splendid woods and with marvellous coastal views to the west.

Unless you're hyper religious or the weather has turned evil, get right up to the top rather than bothering with the shrine. Don't get any illusion that it would give pleasure to look more closely at the ghastly souvenir stalls in the bus parking area. Just revel in the place.

Castelvetrano

This is where you leave your train or major bus route to get a local bus to Selinunte, a VERY highly recommended trip.

Be prepared for the bus to be very, very late; then you shouldn't be disappointed.

Messina

Messina is the nearest town in Sicily to the Italian mainland and, prior to air travel, it was where the majority of visitors entered the island.

I spent longer than intended because of a rail strike when I was heading for Taormina. Hoewever it's worth a bit of time to wander by the busy waterfront and you should at least try to see the Astronomical Clock in the Piazza Duomo.

Cefalu

This is a village/town in size. it is now commonly found in the brochures of travel firms but seemed to have remained a basically simple place. There is a good beach below but its greatest claim to fame lies in its cathedral, a major site for byzantine mosaics. Sadly it was being refurbished when i was there and I missed the best of it.

Monreale [a MUST-SEE]

Taormina

Sometimes called a town, taormina's basic size is still only that of a village. Until relatively recently it was 'just another coastal and hillside village.'

Now it is one of the best known places in Sicily and deservedly so. Its luscious and plentiful vegetation and its views down over the coast should be enough to popularise it but in addition it has the wonderful Greek theatre [with a marker of its own.]